UI Foundation/UI Advancement Weekly Update 10.22.21

Dear Team:

It’s that time of the year again, you know the time when we all start saying, “Where did the days and months go, and can you believe the holiday season is almost here?”  Yes, we’ve reached the point in the fall season where time seems to fly by more quickly.  The mid-point of the semester has passed, and before you know it, we will be committing to 2022 resolutions.  It’s often about now that those little pressure meters in our brain begin to rise because there appears to be way more to do than time to do it. 

We all have 24 hours every day, but how we spend them can be vastly different.  Instead of worrying about not having enough time, take stock of your hours and make sure you are getting the most out of them professionally and personally, especially during the often-stressful end of the calendar year.  The pandemic has frequently caused us to change plans, and it also has taught us the importance of thinking further ahead than we might typically (for last-minute shoppers like me, that means I need to be mindful of the supply-chain issues predicted this holiday season). 

As advancement professionals, we all know the last three months of the calendar year can be the most hectic.  So, check in on the goals you set when the academic year began, update them if necessary, and stay focused on what’s important both now and until we end 2021.  If it all becomes overwhelming, stop for a moment to remember the incredible work you are doing for the University of Illinois.  Putting our time and attention into what’s essential helps us continue to create transformative experiences for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and so many more.

Last week, I invited you to share your favorite campus places and why they are meaningful to you.  Thanks to all who shared a special University of Illinois place.  While my call for pet pictures in August garnered the greatest number of responses ever to one of my requests for “audience participation,” last week’s appeal for your favorite places wasn’t far behind.  I hope you enjoy reading about the university locations that mean the most to your co-workers.

Enjoy your weekend, and find some time to relax, even if your schedule seems inordinately full.  It’s essential and you deserve it!

Best,

Jim